chopsticks

American  

[chop-stiks] / ˈtʃɒpˌstɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a harmonically and melodically simple waltz for piano played typically with the forefinger of each hand and sometimes having an accompanying part for a second player.

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chopsticks British  

/ ˈtʃɒpstɪks /

plural noun

1. a pair of thin sticks, of ivory, wood, etc, used as eating utensils by the Chinese, Japanese, and other people of East Asia

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Etymology

Origin of chopsticks

1890–95; perhaps after chopstick from the way the fingers are held

Example Sentences

Sticky, translucent strings dangle from Wesley Smith's chopsticks as the American tourist relishes his natto, the loved-and-hated Japanese fermented soybean superfood going global one slimy mouthful at a time.

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

SpaceX may be known for building majestic rockets, firing those giant beasts of marvelous engineering into the skies and catching them with chopsticks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana was also the target of such a boycott in 2018, after it posted videos showing a Chinese model using chopsticks clumsily to eat Italian food.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025

Those places are also good because she can see if they know how to use chopsticks.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2025

“There is only a little rice left in the basket,” said the old man, seating himself at the table in the middle room and stirring with his chopsticks the thick yellow gruel.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck